CIF supports community projects that enhance the quality of life for children, youth, and adults of all ages. Projects may involve early childhood development, youth programming, volunteer leadership, physical activity, and Aboriginal inclusion.

Next Application Deadline: February 1, 2018

Thinking of applying to our Community Grant Program Summer Grants? The next deadline is midnight February 1. Please refer to the guidelines before applying.

Summer Grants: Support activities for children and youth that occur between May 1 & August 31. The types of projects typically supported include summer camps and day programming during the summer months that offer positive recreation, arts, culture and learning opportunities. Annual Deadline: February 1.

Community Grant Program: Community grants that enhance the health and wellbeing of Saskatchewan's children, youth and families. Annual Deadlines: April 1 & October 1.As a reminder, the Community Places and Spaces Program has ended. Please note that capital projects are not eligible under the Community Grant Program.

Feature Story: HR Boot Camp

The HR Boot Camp was designed to provide training and understanding to those that are new to or less experienced in Human Resources (HR) and those that deal with HR matters besides their regular duties. “The primary target group was nonprofit Provincial Recreation Associations, but participants with volunteer board members and municipal recreation staff also attended and benefited greatly from these sessions,” shared Lee Anne Balliett, Human Resources and Funding with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA).

Resources & Events:

NSLI Certificate - Winter 2018 course offeringsThe Certificate in Nonprofit Sector Leadership & Innovation (NSLI), jointly offered by the Faculty of Arts, CCE and Luther College at the University of Regina, is designed for practitioners and students preparing for careers in the nonprofit sector. The 5-course certificate can be taken by anyone in the wider community or by any student in any program. Three courses are offered this winter. Read more.

Gathering Strength/Rassembler nos forces: Framework for Recreation in Canada ForumThis national event will be held on May 8-10, 2018 in Regina, Saskatchewan and will focuse on building relationships, continuing dialog and working in cooperation towards achieving the values, goals and priorities identified in the Framework for Recreation in Canada: Pathways to Wellbeing. Read more.

Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement 2017 Volunteer Canada created the Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement (CCVI) to support organizations that engage volunteers. The CCVI is a guide for involving volunteers in all levels of an organization. This includes volunteers working in leadership, direct service and virtual roles. Putting the Code into Action is a resource designed to help organizations implement each of the CCVI standards of practice.

Standards Reference GuideImagine Canada's Standards Reference Guide is a key resource for organizations preparing to become accredited. Beyond that, as a free resource, it is an invaluable tool to support all Canadian charities and nonprofits improve their practices through self-directed online study. Read more.

Attracting, Motivating and Retaining Volunteers in Today’s Landscape The competition to attract devoted, well-connected and passionate volunteers is fierce. Over the past 10 years, charities have searched for ways to secure the time, commitment and connections of key volunteers. Patti Lauzon, Director of Alumni Affairs and Donor Communications, University of Windsor shares 10 tips to bring a volunteer program out of the dark ages and into the light. Read more.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Charities Education ProgramThe CRA is pleased to announce the new Charities Education Program, to support charities in meeting their obligations. Read more.

Saskatoon's Vital Signs 2017 Community Check-upAn initiative of Community Foundations of Canada, Vital Signs is an internationally respected tool for measuring and reporting on the vitality of communities. Through this report, Saskatoon Community Foundation hopes to inform and engage all citizens in making positive contributions to a stronger community in which all share a sense of belonging. Read more.

Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years (0-4 Years)This new evidence-based Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years shares the interrelationship between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep. As young children grow and develop they need to move, sleep and sit the right amounts each day to be healthy. Read more.

Saskatchewan in motion's Active Toy GuideThis virtual guide is filled with lots of great gift ideas to help kids of all ages burn off steam, chart an active outdoor adventure and experience the joy of movement. Read more.

Other Funding Sources:

Creative Kids (Deadline: December 8, 2017)Creative Kids believes all children and youth should have the opportunity to participate in cultural and creative activities regardless of economic or social barriers. They provide funding for Saskatchewan children and youth to participate in creative activities such as art, music, dance, theatre, and culture. Read more.

2017-18 Grants and Funding Opportunities GuideSPRA has recently updated their Grants and Funding Opportunities Guide to include grants and funding information for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. This guide is a great starting point for both professionals and volunteers working within our sector looking for grants to support projects, programs or initiatives. Read more.

CIF Grant Tip: Which Deadline Should I Apply to?

A common question from potential applicants is “which deadline should I apply to?”The CIF Community Grant Program has three application deadlines throughout the year, February 1st, April 1st, and October 1st. That can make it difficult for some organizations to determine how far ahead to plan and when to submit their application. Here are a few tips to help you decide when to apply.

The February 1st deadline is specifically for summer projects that benefit children and youth between the months of May and August. This includes camps, reading programs, and other activities that keep young people busy during the summer months. Other types of projects, even though they may occur during the summer, are not eligible for the February 1st deadline.

Annual grants are submitted at either the April 1st or October 1st deadlines.It is important to remember that CIF’s processes take 2 months to approve grant applications. That means if you apply at April 1st, you will not be notified until June 1st. If you apply at October 1st, you will not be notified until December 1st. Also note that CIF funding cannot be used retroactively, so any expenses being paid by grant dollars must be incurred after the date you are notified.

Ensure that the timing of your grant application becomes part of the planning for your project, and think about when you need a response to your grant application.If your project is starting in January, will being notified in December give you enough time to properly plan if you are successful? There is never any guarantee your grant will be approved, so will you have enough time to find other sources of funding if you are not successful?

Remember that projects can be up to 12 months in length, but the start date is selected by the applicant, not dictated by the application deadline.You can apply for a project at April 1st that starts after the October 1st deadline. Know that adjudication committees frequently have difficult discussions around the viability of a project when the proposed start date is too close to the application deadline. While it may feel strange to write a grant application in March for a project starting in December, it can increase your chances for success, and also give you time to properly plan your project and how it will be funded.

Saskatchewan's Community Initiatives Fund (www.cifsask.org) is a Special Purpose Fund created through The Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Act and is accountable to the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport. Our programs are funded through a portion of the Regina and Moose Jaw casino profits.

This Privacy Policy demonstrates our commitment to your privacy and the security and protection of your contact information. The CIF will not share or sell your contact information without your permission or unless ordered by a court of law. Our records indicate you have registered with the CIF or you have applied for a program grant through the CIF.